Standard 2

Skill and Fitness Based Competence: Physical education teacher candidates are physically educated individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to demonstrate competent movement performance and health enhancing fitness delineated in the NASPE K-12 Standards.

Element 2.2: Achieve and maintain a health-enhancing level of fitness throughout the program.

Artifacts: Endomondo Sports Tracker and Nike+

Date: 2011-Present

Reflection: Throughout my entire life, my father has inspired me to run.  He has done countless marathons and even a triathlon.  I have been running for as long as I can remember.  In the fall of 2011 I purchased a smart phone which allowed me to use applications such as Endomondo Sports Tracker and Nike+.  Both of these programs are designed to keep track running statistics such as distance, time, and pace.  I used Endomondo for a long time and recently began using Nike+.  Running is a great way to improve cardiovascular health.  It burns calories and helps people stay in shape.  As a physical educator, it is important to set a good physical example for students.  Teachers should practice what they preach.  If they see that their teacher applies healthy behaviors to their lives, they may be more likely to stay healthy.

Element 2.3: Demonstrate performance concepts related to skillful movement in a variety of physical activities.

Artifact: SUNY Cortland Men's Ultimate Frisbee Team

Date: Fall 2011-Spring 2013

Reflection: Ultimate Frisbee is a sport that continues to grow at the high school, college, and professional level.  It involves a high amount of endurance, strategy, and team work.  I joined the team at SUNY Cortland after some friends invited me to and I ended up really enjoying my experience playing.  Many people have trouble throwing a disc where they want it to go.  It takes a lot of practice and determination to become competent in the variety of throws.  At first, I couldn't throw a disc any more than 10 yards without it going away from my target.  After watching and learning from my teammates, I have become capable of throwing in different ways.  Many students have trouble with learning skills they have never done before.  I now know what that feels like.  My experience of learning to throw can help me understand the struggles some students may go through.  It takes patience and hard work to be successful at new activities.